An Holistic View of UK Military Capability Development⋆

Abstract

Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) is the dominant theme of proposed changes to UK defence acquisition, but progress has been hindered by a lack of agreed interpretations for key concepts. This paper provides some clarity for Capability, Network Enabled Capability (NEC), TLCM, and Affordability and notes, in particular, the fractal nature of capability.Through stakeholder analysis and concept maps, we identify some of the major challenges associated with TLCM. These include affordability (which is the motivation for TLCM but may also be its stumbling block); the increased priority of agility, adaptability, and flexibility in capability planning; and the need for appropriate TLCM metrics. The lack of an explicit learning mechanism within the capability planning process is also a major deficiency, because TLCM relies on effective knowledge management.The changing role of industry is considered and the need for an holistic view of capability is emphasised.

Technology Roadmapping for Renewable Fuels: Case of Biobutanol in Brazil

“…They are based on information and knowledge development, as well as in the use and exchange between human capitals of the firm. They enable the analysis of individual's abilities and the social knowledge, and are defined by organizational principles, and through the way the intra and inter group, and inter-organizational relationships are organized (Amit & Result describes how the company delivers some value to the market(s) (customers and stakeholders), the visible component of the capability, and the objective of its deployment (Stevens, 1998;Yue & Henshaw, 2009). …”

“…Capability Based Planning (CBP) from the Systems Engineering describes capabilities slightly different for industrial context (people, process products, technology, and facilities), and for the military context (doctrine, organization, training, material, education, people, and resources) (Davis, Shaver, & Beck, 2008;Garvey, 2009;Stevens, 1998;Yue & Henshaw, 2009). …”

Integration of existing military capability models into the comprehensive capability meta-model

“…The term 'military capability' means different things in different contexts [6], [10], and it is only meaningful when defined within a context [9]. Capability is also used interchangeably to refer to objectives, the tasks that need to be accomplished in support of these objectives, and the means of conducting these tasks [11].…”

“…Only a few attempts [6], [7], [8], [9] provide a comprehensive and systematic view of the military capability models, i.e. capability frameworks.…”

Through-Life NEC Scenario Development

“…NEC requires interoperability between independent systems that can evolve and operate in a collaborative and dependable manner. NEC makes demands on the overall delivered systems that cannot be fulfilled by traditional design principles that address independent closed-world systems [31] [32]. NEC is realised through services that form networks of systems of systems that are dynamic, large-scale and subject to continual change, adaptation and evolution.…”